Biblical Principles of Environmental Stewardship

As Christians, we are called not only to care for one another but also to care for the earth that God has created. Environmental stewardship is a concept rooted in scripture, reflecting our responsibility to protect and manage the natural world. By examining biblical teachings, we can draw valuable lessons on how to engage with environmental challenges in a way that honors God’s creation.

Creation Care
The Bible teaches that God created the earth and entrusted humans with its care. In Genesis 2:15, we see that God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." This command is not limited to Adam alone but extends to all of humanity. The implication is clear—we are to be good stewards of the environment, taking care of the world God entrusted to us.

Dominion with Responsibility
Humans are granted "dominion" over creation, as stated in Genesis 1:28. However, this dominion does not give us free reign to exploit or harm nature. On the contrary, dominion implies responsible management. We are called to exercise authority over the earth with care and consideration, managing God’s creation with a heart of respect and a spirit of stewardship.

Sustainable Use of Resources
The Old Testament is full of instructions on how to wisely use the land and its resources. One notable example comes from Exodus 23:10-11, where the practice of allowing fields to lie fallow every seventh year is instructed. This ancient practice, which promotes the renewal of the land, aligns closely with modern principles of sustainable agriculture. Such biblical principles offer insight into how we can interact with the earth’s resources in ways that promote long-term sustainability.

Contrasts with Modern Sustainability Concepts
While there are areas of overlap between biblical stewardship and modern sustainability practices, there are also significant contrasts worth noting.

Divine Providence vs. Human Control
The Bible emphasizes God’s ultimate control over nature (Psalm 104), reminding us that, despite our efforts, it is God who sustains all life. Modern sustainability movements often emphasize human control and management of environmental systems. As believers, we acknowledge that while we must act responsibly, the final authority over the environment rests with God.

Eternal Perspective
Biblical teachings often prioritize eternal spiritual matters over temporal earthly concerns. This eternal perspective may sometimes seem at odds with modern environmental planning, which tends to focus on long-term earthly sustainability. As followers of Christ, we must balance our call to care for creation with the understanding that our ultimate home is with God in eternity.

Human-Centric vs. Eco-Centric
While the Bible encourages care for creation, it does so with a human-centric worldview. In contrast, some modern environmental movements prioritize ecosystem health over human needs. These differences in focus can sometimes result in tension between biblical anthropology and secular environmentalism. The biblical approach emphasizes the importance of humans in God’s creation, while still advocating for the care and respect of all life.

Areas of Potential Alignment
Despite the differences, there are also significant areas of alignment between biblical principles and modern sustainability efforts.

Stewardship
The biblical concept of stewardship aligns with sustainability goals that seek to preserve resources for future generations. As Christians, we understand that stewardship means managing the earth's resources in a way that honors God, ensuring that future generations inherit a world capable of supporting life and flourishing.

Care for the Poor
Many modern sustainability initiatives focus on alleviating poverty and promoting human well-being, which is in harmony with biblical teachings on caring for the poor and vulnerable. By addressing environmental concerns, we can also help ensure a more just and equitable distribution of resources to those in need.

Responsible Resource Management
The Bible promotes wise use of resources and avoidance of waste. In John 6:12, after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus instructed his disciples to “gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” This principle resonates with sustainability goals, encouraging responsible consumption and reducing wastefulness.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not directly address modern concepts of environmental sustainability, it provides timeless principles of stewardship and resource management that can be applied to today’s challenges. By recognizing both the overlaps and distinctions between biblical teachings and secular environmentalism, Christians can engage in meaningful and responsible environmental care. Our worldview, shaped by the belief in divine providence and eternal priorities, calls us to manage the earth in a way that reflects our Creator’s love and care for all He has made.

At Community Mountain, we are committed to integrating these biblical principles into our efforts to serve and sustain the communities we live in. Let us take up the mantle of stewardship with humility, wisdom, and a heart for future generations.